A meat-processing plant at the University of Nevada, Reno, was recently ordered to suspend operations after a horrific report detailed an “egregious act of inhumane handling of animals in connection with slaughter.”
According to a suspension notice from the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the agency found evidence of the slaughterhouse’s failure to comply with the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, the Federal Meat Inspection Act, and other requirements.
FSIS inspection program personnel (IPP) described witnessing an employee shoot a ram five times with a captive-bolt gun before the animal fell unconscious. In the notice, FSIS states:
IPP noted that the time between the third stunning attempt and the fifth attempt, which rendered the ram unconscious, was approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds.
While this incident is absolutely deplorable, abuses like it are sadly common. And imagine—if this is what happens when FSIS inspection personnel are present, what happens behind closed doors?
Time and time again, Mercy For Animals undercover investigations have revealed animals being hit, kicked, and left to suffer. Footage from our recent investigation of multiple Pilgrim’s contract farms shows six-week-old chickens being viciously kicked and thrown. And the horrific undercover investigation we released in 2022 exposing workers repeatedly pummeling cows with sledgehammers eventually led to the shutdown of a slaughterhouse in Brazil.
We have countless reasons to adopt a more plant-forward diet. From helping animals who suffer in our food system to doing our part to reduce environmental destruction, we can positively impact animals, people, and the planet. Take your first step today by downloading our free guide.
